It had been a long time coming, but Emily and Jake finally tied the knot at a gorgeous summer ceremony in Surrey.
I've known Jake's family since he was a boy, having been good friends with his uncle for the last twenty years, so it was an honour when he introduced me to his fiancé and asked me if I'd photograph his wedding. Jake and Emily had been childhood sweethearts, knowing since 2008 that they were made for each other. As with many other weddings, Coronavirus meant delay after delay but finally, on the last day of June 2022, they finally got married.
We'd started our journey with an engagement shoot in their home town of Woking earlier in the year - and they soon became naturals in front of the camera. The start of the show was Peanut, their dog, practicing for his role as ring bearer at the wedding. It was clear that Emily and Jake adored each other - there were no awkward poses, no forced smiles. For a couple that warned me 'they didn't do photos' or 'we're not that photogenic, you know', they eased into it with a natural grace that only years of love will bring.
It was touch and go whether the wedding would take place outside or not, as the rain started to fall mid-morning. The venue, the delightful Rivervale Barn in Yately, is a tailor made location built especially for weddings. Led by the wonderful Natasha, the team ensured nothing was too much trouble for the couple, who wisely decided to use the Barn, rather than the outdoor Spinney for the ceremony.
Emily's day started at 9am, with hair and make-up in the Pamper Room by Rivervale Beauty. Sarah and Amy had everything under control - I've never seen three people more calm and collected on the day of a wedding!
At midday, with hair and make-up done, it was time for the three members of the Bridal party - plus Mum - to head over to the Cornstore Cottage for afternoon tea. A happy photographer is one that's fed on left over cucumber sandwiches...
Meanwhile, at the front of the venue, Jake's party had begun to arrive. But where was the groom?
Never fear, Jake arrived a couple of minutes afterwards. And the wedding was on...
Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your special day. Thanks also to other members of the wedding team - Tash at Musk Wedding Films for being a joy to work with and the team at Ring-a-Roses for the flowers.
Your wedding gallery is almost here - but until then, here's another sneak peek at what's coming...
For laid back wedding photography in Surrey, London and the South-East, drop me a line on my contact page.
